2017 Kia Optima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 255 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 7th highest complaint count among 20 Optima model years with reports.
Of the 2017 reports, 4 involved a crash and 9 involved a fire. 7 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Latches/locks/linkages, trunk lid, latchAug 24, 2023
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.
Campaign 23V594000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsDec 19, 2018
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Campaign 18V907000 on NHTSA.gov
Hybrid propulsion systemMar 8, 2018
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Optima hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.
If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install two newly designed Battery Management Systems (BMS) that contain Overvoltage Protection Devices (OPDs), free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC162.
Campaign 18V161000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
167 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Jun 17, 2022
Engine Failure after KSDS in March 2022 Update Error Code P1326 (2 times in May and June 2022), BSDS Error with HEV Warning Light Shut Off Engine to prevent damage. Engine burned 2.5 quarts of oil in 3 weeks and 1500 miles. Vehicle went into “limp mode” or “safe mode” to prevent further damage. Engine failure at 102k miles. Error is currently being added by KIA North Austin. KIA reproduced the error P1326.
Engine, Jun 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the low oil level warning light flashed and occasionally the vehicle would not properly respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact checked the engine oil dipstick and discovered that there was very little oil in the engine. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who performed an oil consumption test and indicated that the vehicle was consuming one quart of oil per one-thousand miles and that the rate of consumption was within a normal range. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that since the oil consumption test was performed the failure had become progressively worse. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 5, 2022
This has happened 3 times driving car almost comes to a complete stop. Acceleration dropped down to 20 MPH. Was told it was a knock sensor replace in March in May did it again . Replaced it against the very next day it did it again. Went online and said it was a recall but nothing is showing up here . I will contact Kia in the morning we could have been killed this happened in the expressway
Power train, Engine, Jun 2, 2022
I was driving on the highway when my check engine light came on flashing the car jersey almost to a stop and I had to pull over. I cut the car off and sat then turned it back on. The check engine light was still flashing and I put my flashers on and was unable to go over 60 mph. I drove slowly to an autozone and a code was pulled p1326. I looked it up and it undeliverable due to the knock sensor issue.
Electrical system, Air bags, Engine, May 23, 2022
March 2022, (approximately 72,000 miles)while driving to work my car shut off. I was in drive at a red light. Noticeable decreased acceleration and vibration. Took it to the dealership for routine oil change and mentioned incident. Technician was not able to find cause. Ok so be it. Now May at a little over 73,000 miles multiple lights began to illuminate and flash. Still with decreased acceleration it was noticed on a Friday morning on my way to work: 1. Oil light flashed on and off for approximately 2 minutes. 2. Air bag light stays on 3. Electronic Stability Control light stays on I scheduled an appointment for the next day. Took it into nearest Kia dealership. I was informed that my engine had no oil in it. The electrical board that signals my airbags and power steering is “malfunctioning” and would need to be replaced. I was also told that since I just went for an oil change and was not due for another 3-4,000 miles maybe the “engine absorbed the oil as there are no visible leaks” I am set to return to Kia at the 1,000 mile mark to check oil levels to see if the oil is gone again. On my way to work again, on I-75 I felt extreme unsteadiness and loss of road grip with steering. Like I was loosing co trio of the vehicle while traveling at 55 miles an hour. As the original owner of this vehicle, with regular routine maintenance this is extremely concerning. I worry every day that my car will fail me and injure mine, my kids and others lives. I really hope this is looked into as a safety issue.
Engine, May 3, 2022
EXCESSIVE oil consumption. More than 1 quart every 1,000 miles. I am having to change my spark plugs about every 3 months to keep this car going. I've been to Kia twice and spent thousands of dollars. It has fixed nothing.
Power train, Engine, Apr 29, 2022
Large Oil consumption (1qt a week). No warning lights, experiencing loss of power, hesitation on acceleration, oil covering the motor with no signs of leaks underneath the car on the streets. Oil puddling up on the top of the valve cover near the plugs but unable to locate the source. Gaskets and hoses checked and all are in good condition. 125,000 miles.
Engine, Other or unspecified, Apr 28, 2022
Engine is consuming excessive oil. That could cause internal parts of the engine to wear faster because of less lubrication and could lead to an engine failure while driving, which could lead to engine stopping and loss of propulsion which could cause an accident. The car went through a oil consumption test with a Kia dealership and failed by consuming more than 1 qt of oil in a 1000 miles interval. The Kia dealership proceeded to do a combustion chamber cleaning procedure and re-did oil consumption test and it failed again. They also had requested service record which where provided. Even though Kia has a service bulletin on that matter, the service advisor at the Kia dealership said that the manufacturer declined the claim. Right now I’m constantly refilling oil in the engine which is also an additional expense. The first time I noticed the issue was in February, 2022 when the low oil pressure alert came on.
Engine, Apr 18, 2022
The Engine burns oil at a rate higher than the recommended oil change interval. I have had the dealer perform multiple consumption tests. The car passed all three even though it burns around a quart every 1000 miles. I had them clean the combustion chamber and paid for the costs myself but that did not resolve the issue. This seems be a known defect in the engine and is causing me a lot of problems monthly. A recall needs to be issued to fix this problem.
Engine, Jan 21, 2022
Oil consumption in my vehicle is well above 1 qt per 1000 miles. This is a known problem but Kia engines and Kia doesn't take responsibility for it. The oil light never comes on and the car runs out of oil every 1500 miles. It's not leaking, it's being consumed. Kia does not see it as a problem, even though there are so many reports. Please expand the recall for 2017 Kia's.
Engine, Dec 20, 2021
I had got on the freeway when I got to my destination I got off the freeway and was waiting for the green light my car started shakeing and shut off. I was able to turn it back on
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 13, 2021
During the week of November 14th, 2021, I noticed my vehicle begin to noticeably vibrate and generate an unfamiliar sound near the engine compartment. The vibration and sound was accompanied by a "check engine" light illuminating. I immediately scheduled an appointment at my local dealership and was provided a date of November 29, 2021. On November 29, 2021, I dropped off my vehicle at the dealership and learned of NHTSA Recall Number "21V844." The service representative and his technician believe the vibration and sound are a result of the recall. To date, my vehicle remains at the dealership and the matter is unresolved. The service representative has advised me that Techline / KIA Corp. is determining whether my vehicle's engine issue is due to the recall or not. It has been two weeks that the vehicle has been at the service center. As per the recall notice I received in the mail, the inspection for the recall should have been completed in a matter of hours. I reasonably believe that Techline / KIA Corp is searching for an excuse to not remedy my vehicle's engine issue, and are jeopardizing the safety of myself and my family. I have a newborn and kindergartener that I have in the car daily and am concern for their safety if the engine issue does not get fixed. I am a military veteran and active police officer. I appreciate any assistance you may provide and thank you in advance.
Engine, Dec 6, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the speed decelerated independently while the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the accelerator pedal needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where they informed the contact there was an unknown software update. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the knock sensor software needed to be updated. The vehicle was repaired but two days later the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
Engine, Nov 19, 2021
Unknown … Right in the moment I started the car. My car turned on the check engine light and it started a fault as if it wanted to turn off, it shakes and the engine works without power. Since that moment it’s doing it constantly.
Engine, Oct 22, 2021
My Kia Optima was burning three (3) quarts of oil for every 1,200 miles driven. I brought the vehicle to Willowbrook Kia and they stated that they would need to do an oil consumption test. After the 1st test, it showed that I burned 3 quarts after 1,200 miles driven. Kia completed an intake carbon test and had me drive it for another 1,000 miles. After the 2nd test, it showed that I burned 1.5 quarts of oil after 1,000 miles. Willowbrook Kia stated that the engine needed to be replaced and it will be under warranty. They rented me a car which they paid for and it took me to call after 1 week in a half and they stated that the vehicle is not covered under warranty as I am the 2nd owner of the vehicle. The gentleman (Vic) at Kia told me the only way to get Kia to replace the engine is to drive it until their is no oil and the engine seizes. I explained to him that I drive on the expressway everyday and that is kind of like an accident waiting to happen. No accident has happened as of yet, but thought I would at least try and send a complaint your way. If there is nothing that can be done, I completely understand, but was trying to avoid a possible accident in the future.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Aug 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated while stationary at a traffic light, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving to her residence. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the engine knock sensor needed to be replaced. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
Engine, Jun 24, 2021
My 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid began losing oil rapidly (more than 1 quart a week), and then knocking. There was never a warning light or an engine light. The mechanic at Kirby Kia (the dealership) confirmed engine knocking in the lower pistons. Kia will not honor the 100,000 mile drive train warranty because I am the second owner, and there is no recall on the hybrid engine. However, it's irrelevant that they won't cover the cost of the engine since they are not making engines available to anyone outside of the recall, so I cannot fix my car. I'm a little confused on why this engine is withheld for the recall, but mine is not recalled.
Engine, Mar 20, 2021
ENGINE HAS TOO MUCH OIL CONSUMPTION , WENT TO DO MY OIL CHANGE 200 MILES BEFORE IT WAS DUE AND THE AUTOMOTIVE PLACE TOLD ME THERE WAS NO OIL ON MY DRIP STICK. ALSO HAVE A RATTLING NOISE IN MY ENGINE WHEN I ACCELERATE. NOISE HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR A FEW MONTHS BUT THEY CAN'T SEEM TO FIND A PROBLEM.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 4, 2021, fire
THE WIRING HARNESS WAS REPLACED IN MY 2017 KIA OPTIMA IN 2019 AT APPROXIMATELY 45,000 MILES. KIA REPLACED MY ENGINE JANUARY 2020 BECAUSE IT WAS CONSUMING LARGE AMOUNTS OF OIL. I JUST GOT MY CAR BACK IN JANUARY 28, 2021 WITH A SUPPOSEDLY NEW ENGINE. ON MARCH 3, 2021, MY CAR CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PULLING OUT OF MY NEIGHBORHOOD ACTUALLY DRIVING DOWN THE STREET. SMOKE AND FLAMES WERE COMING OUT FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD THE OF THE CAR. THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE CAR BURNED. THANKFULLY, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT GOT THE FIRE OUT AND NO ONE WAS INJURED.
Engine, Nov 10, 2020
I'VE TAKING MY LEASES VEHICLE INTO CARSON OF KIA 3 TIMES FOR OIL LIGHT THEY REPLACED THE OIL PRESSURE SWITCH TWICE OF THE 3 TIMES WHILE DRIVING AFTER THE CARS WARMS UP I GET TICKING NOISE YOU CAN HEAR THE BETTER WHEN WHEN DRIVING NEXT TO A RETAINING WALL AT THIS I'VE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND AFTER REVIEWING THE WORK ORDER FROM THE DEALER ALL THEY OFFER ME WAS 2 MONTHS OF CAR PAYMENT WHICH I DECLINE SO I'M CONTRACTING NHTSA FOR HELP AND ADVISE
Engine, Oct 20, 2020, fire
MY 2017 KIA OPTIMA CAUGHT ON FIRE ON OCTOBER 15, 2020. I WAS DRIVING TO THE STORE AND HEARD A TICKING SOUND AND SOME NOISES. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALSO CAME ON. I PULLED OVER IN THE LEFT TURNING LANE ON THE HIGHWAY TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. I HEARD A POPPING SOUND AND SAW FLAMES. I EXITED THE VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY CALLED 911. MY CAR BURST INTO FLAMES.
Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 5, 2020
BOUGHT MY KIA 1 AGO & ALWAYS HAD A PROBLEM W/HEADLIGHTS ALWAYS TURNING ON & OFF WHEN IN AUTO MODE. TRUNK LATCH HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE LATCH NOT LOCKING WHEN TRYING TO CLOSE TRUNK. DEALERSHIP SAID THEY GET 20-30 LATCH ISSUES W/MY MAKE & MODEL OF KIA EVERY WEEK. AFTER VEHICLE STARTS CAR JUST DIES & ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. AT TIMES CAR WILL STAY ON BUT STUTTERS LIKE ITS GOING TO DIE.
Engine, Aug 28, 2020
I JUST PURCHASED MY 2017 KIA OPTIMA TWO MONTHS AGO. I WAS DRIVING TO WORK TODAY IN THE CENTER LANE ON THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 65 MILES PER HOUR. OUT OF NOWHERE WITHOUT WARNING MY CAR SHUTTERS AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. MY VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY LOST ACCELERATION AND GOT DOWN TO ABOUT 45 MPH AND WAS FALLING FAST. CARS WERE FLYING AROUND ME AND I WAS AFRAID FOR MY LIFE, I HAD TO FIGHT MY WAY OFF OF THE HIGHWAY TO GET TO SAFETY. I WAS LOOSING SPEED THE WHOLE TIME AND ALMOST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT. I GOT INTO A PARKING LOT AND LET THE CAR REST. I CHECKED ALL MY FLUID AND OIL AND EVERYTHING WAS FULL/ FINE. I DECIDED IT WAS A FLUKE AND TO TAKE A BACK ROAD TO WORK. BIG MISTAKE. THE CAR WOULDN'T GO OVER 20 MPH AND I PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR DOWN WITH NO LUCK. THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ACCELERATOR WORKED AND MY CAR SPED UP TO 25 MPH FROM 15. THIS WAS ALSO EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. I PULLED BACK OVER AND CALLED RICK CASE KIA. MY BOYFRIEND USED HIS CODE READER AND FOUND OUT IT WAS THE KNOCK SENSOR. THATS WHEN I FOUND OUT ABOUT THE LAWSUIT. I SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT AND GOT A TOW TRUCK TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP. WHEN I ARRIVED I MENTIONED WHAT HAPPENED AND SAID THAT I JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT THE LAWSUIT FROM THIS ISSUE. THE ONE SERVICE MANAGER FREAKED OUT THAT I MENTIONED THE LAWSUIT IN FRONT OF OTHER CUSTOMERS AND JUMPED TO EXPLAINING HOW MY CAR WAS ALREADY HANDLED AND THIS ONE ISSUE IS COVERED FOR LIFE. THIS MEANS THEY ADMITTED TO KNOWING ABOUT THIS LIFE THREATINING RECALL WHEN SELLING ME THE CAR. IF THEY DISCLOSED THIS CRUCIAL INFORMATION THAT I HAD THE RIGHT TO KNOW, I NEVER WOULD HAVE BOUGHT IT. THEY WILL ATTEMPT TO FIX IT AGAIN BUT I AM TERRIFIED TO DRIVE IT.
Power train, Engine, Jul 27, 2020
A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE IN THE CAR 61K MILES..BASICALLY THE DEALSHIP IS SAYING THE CAR NEEDS A NEW ENGINE
Engine, Jul 21, 2020
2.4 L HAVE METAL SHAVINGS IN THE OIL